Three Simple Instructions (and One Question) for a Full Life

Since I’m all for the practice of gratitude, and since this past weekend marked (Canadian) Thanksgiving, I’m writing another post to share my insights on gratitude—and hopefully hear yours!

Before we dive in, I also want to share with you the first round of print copies (YAY!) for my new/first book, Self Care at Work. Scroll down to the bottom of this post to watch the “unveiling” (with the help of my excited dog, Penny).

Now! On to gratitude:

This year, I’m thankful to have celebrated Thanksgiving with two beautiful families. During one evening, a woman at the table recited a poem and then later shared Mary Oliver’s “instructions for living a life”:

01. Pay attention.
02. Be astonished.
03. Tell about it.

The more I digested these instructions (along with the day’s feast), the deeper they resonated with me. There’s a fullness that you create and experience when you’re truly “living a life”—a fullness that comes from recognizing you’re alive, paying attention to what that means, and responding with wonder.

I also appreciate that you (and I) can easily begin applying these instructions, starting today with #1. One simple practice, paying attention, can cultivate a healthy mindset and a beautiful life. As I focus on applying these instructions, I’m curious:

What’s something that amazes or astonishes you?

One thing for me is the power of community. I’m constantly amazed by the love and support I receive! Whether it’s been through spreading the word about my new book or checking in during the 6-month sabbatical I took (October to March) to heal my heart from vicarious trauma (sending love to my social workers, counsellors, and all humans dealing with festering hurts):

Thank you for your kindness and support. I appreciate you.

How would you answer the question above? Whether your life right now feels beautiful, heartbreaking, or monotonous, I encourage you to give some thought to what amazes or astonishes you. Paying attention and practicing gratitude can be transformational. It’s worth the practice—even when it feels like everything sucks. I actually wrote about this recently because my last month has been especially trying.

However you spent your weekend, why not spend today cultivating thanks-giving? Why not try to give more time and attention to what astonishes or amazes you rather than what annoys you?

Start by paying attention. (You can use the simple process and gratitude exercise in this blog post for guidance.) Then, once you’re ready to tell about it, comment below with what amazes you!

And of course, speaking of gratitude, click here or watch the video below for the “unveiling” of the print copies for Self Care at Work!

This post was originally shared as part of my Practical Mindfulness newsletter. Sign up below to receive mindful lessons and practices in your inbox!